When it comes to woodwind instruments, the saxophone stands out from the crowd. Your favourite tracks might feature an awesome sax solo. Said to be the closest instrument to the human voice, it can have a smooth and soulful sound, or raise the roof with a rockin’ riff.
But if you dream of playing the sax yourself you might be asking: Is learning to play the saxophone hard?
In this post, we’ll find out more about:
- How to play the alto saxophone
- Things to think about when buying your first saxophone
- The members of the saxophone family.
Whether you’re a beginner sax player, you’re coming back to the sax, or you’re a more experienced player, read on for tips and advice you can use on your saxophone journey.
Learning the Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone is a popular choice for beginner players. And starting to play the alto saxophone can be both fun and hard. As with learning any new skill, there will be challenges to overcome along the way – and achievements to celebrate!
Getting started with your first notes
As a beginner, you might struggle to produce clear notes on your saxophone. It will take some time to build your embouchure muscles (the muscles around you mouth). Learning to control your breathing is vital too – practice breathing deeply from your abdomen. And support your breath with your diaphragm for a steady, controlled sound.
Don’t let these first problems discourage you. Every pro player started where you are right now, at the very beginning.
The Importance of Regular Practice
It’s a great idea to get into a regular practice habit, right from the beginning. Ideally, finding 20 minutes every day to practice is a great starting point. Even short sessions can make a big difference over time. Regular practice also helps build muscle memory, a key part of playing any musical instrument.
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day! Keep practising and you’ll soon start to see progress in your saxophone playing.
Choosing Your First Alto Saxophone
The alto sax is a great choice for beginner players. The alto’s sound is in the middle range, making it easier to play that the smaller soprano sax, for example. Plus, the alto sax is a comfortable size to hold. This makes it a great beginner saxophone for children too.
But it’s important for beginner players to buy the best instrument they can afford, because this can make it easier to play.
Your First Alto Sax – things to think about
The quality of an instrument plays a crucial role in how quickly you progress with your skills. Here are some factors to consider:
- Overall condition: Is your new (or new to you) saxophone in great condition and well-maintained?
- Ongoing support: Even a brand-new saxophone will require some maintenance. Check to see if your music store has a repair technician on staff or who they can recommend.
- Personal preference: Saxophones at all budgets can play great these days, but does this saxophone get YOU excited? Find a saxophone that you like the look and sound of, that you want to play every day.
High-Quality Brands for beginner players
Yamaha and Conn-Selmer are both reliable names known for making great alto saxophones for students. These companies make models for beginners that are a good mix of affordability, quality construction, and performance.
Don’t forget that the most expensive choice isn’t always the best for everyone. This is especially true if you’re unsure if playing the sax is right for you. So take the time to learn about the different choices before buying one.
Different Types of Saxophones
It’s important to know the different kinds of saxophones and what makes each one special. All members of the saxophone family have the same basic elements:
- Mouthpiece
- Same finger system
- Neck strap
However, the different saxophones range in size, and each has its own beautiful sound.
Soprano sax
Even though it is the smallest saxophone, the Bb or soprano saxophone is one of the hardest to play well. It has a high pitch and a small mouthpiece which makes it difficult to play in tune. It needs accuracy and control, making it best for more experienced players.
The soprano sax is not the best choice for beginner players. Start with the alto sax then move onto soprano sax when you’ve built up your skills.
Alto sax
The alto saxophone is great for beginners. The size of the alto mouthpiece makes it easier to get a good tone, and its small size makes it comfortable to hold. The alto sax has a range which is neither too high nor too low – it’s just right for beginner players!
However, the alto sax is great fun to play, and versatile. The tone is very flexible and can be used for a huge range of styles.
Tenor sax
The tenor saxophone is popular in jazz because of its warm tone and range. The tenor is also perfect for funk and ska (remember “One Step Beyond?”)
Tenor saxes are bigger than alto saxophones but smaller and lighter than baritones. Because they are bigger, they need more air support, making it a little harder for beginners to learn. However, taller players will find the tenor quite comfortable.
Baritone sax
The baritone saxophone is the largest of the common saxophone family. Its size means you’ll need lots of air, and smaller players may struggle with the weight of the sax. However, once you adjust to the larger mouthpiece and physical aspects of playing baritone sax, you’ll love the rich and exciting tone you can produce. New players are best to avoid this as their first saxophone.
Cost Considerations for New Learners
The price of a brand-new alto saxophone can be scary if you’re just starting in music. But there are a few options that won’t break the bank, and you could [ick up a beginner instrument for less than $400.
Purchasing vs Renting
Whether you buy or rent an instrument depends a lot on your long-term goals and how much you want to spend. If you want to play for many years, buying might be cheaper than renting.
On the other hand, renting could give you more options without a big upfront investment. This is perfect if you’re unsure whether the saxophone is right for you. Renting is also a great option if you want to play in a band where different types of saxophones may be needed.
Reeds & Mouthpiece
Whether you’re buying or renting an alto saxophone, you will also need a mouthpiece and a supply of reeds. These greatly affect how well the instrument plays.
An entry-level mouthpiece can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 (although your sax might be supplied with a stock mouthpiece to get you started).
The wrong mouthpiece can really hold back your progress on saxophone, so it’s a great idea to upgrade to a better mouthpiece if you can. This guide can help you choose a the best mouthpiece for your budget.
Depending on the quality and maker, a box of reeds can cost between $10 and $30. Reeds come in different strengths, and this affects how easy they are to play. Just like your mouthpiece, playing with the wrong reed can be really frustrating. So take some time to find the right reed for you. Get our tips on choosing the best beginner saxophone reed here.
So, while there’s a cost when you learn how to play the alto saxophone, don’t let this hold you back. Do your research and look at your options, and you’ll be ready to get started on your saxophone journey.
Finding the right lessons
You need more than practice and the right instrument to learn to play the alto sax well. Finding the right lessons is also important.
Online vs. Offline Lessons
There are two main ways to learn the alto saxophone in the digital age: online or in-person lessons. Both ways have pros and cons.
- Online Lessons: These are convenient because you can learn at your own pace anywhere. They often offer comprehensive courses covering all aspects of playing the alto saxophone, from beginner to advanced techniques.
- In-Person Lessons: Traditional face-to-face instruction offers direct feedback and personalised attention. This can be invaluable, especially during the early stages of learning. Look for a teacher close by who can help you learn the music you’re into – otherwise you might lose motivation.
Your choice between these two can depend on your budget, how much time you have, and whether there’s a teacher near you. Either way, as a beginner player you’ll need professional, experienced guidance to help you to build your saxophone skills.
Sax School Online gives students access to a dedicated tutor team to support their learning, answer questions, and give advice and feedback – including in live sessions. This makes it easier than ever to start learning saxophone.
Let Sax School Assist You In Your Musical Journey
Going on a musical journey can be exciting and scary, especially with the possibilities waiting for you on alto saxophone. But don’t be afraid. Sax School Online is here to help you.
Benefits of Enrolling in Sax School
- Dedicated Help: Our experienced Tutors are dedicated to helping you every step of the way as you learn. Along with unlimited help from the Tutors, you can also get direct feedback on your playing so you are always working on the right things.
- Flexible Learning: Our online program lets you learn independently and from anywhere worldwide. This makes it easier for beginners who might need more time to practice certain skills or review things they’ve already learned.
- Variety of Resources: We have a huge library of resources, including video tutorials, sheet music in all styles, practice plans, and more. Whichever way you like to learn, there are resources and support to help you!
Join us at Sax School Online if you’re ready to take your music to new places and overcome those barriers that are holding you back. With the help of our hardworking team, you can learn to play the alto saxophone well and make your dreams come true.
Remember that the trip may seem long initially, but nothing is impossible if you are committed and passionate.
Final Thoughts
The saxophone is a great instrument to learn. Its smooth and soulful tones draw in both musicians and audiences. As a beginner player, there will be challenges, but with regular practice and commitment, and the right support, you’ll soon be playing the music you love on the alto sax.
So, whether you’re just starting in music or you’ve been playing for a while and want to try something new, the saxophone is waiting for you with beautiful melodies and endless options. Start a free trial now with Sax School!